Sunday, January 11 -- Part 1

Balanced Audio Technology displayed their newest preamplifier, the $2495 VK-3iX (top), and power amplifier, the $2995 VK-220 (125Wpc into 8 ohms). The preamp is available with several options, including a Six-Pak capacitor bank and Special Edition modifications for those who want "ultimate versions."

One of the most uniquely styled pieces of audio electronics we saw was the 150Wpc Music Box amp ($3695) from the Broken Lamp Amp Company -- it doesn't look like audio electronics at all. It sounded very good pounding out Pink Floyd's The Wall.

We've seen various prototypes of Audio Aero's Prestige SACD player/preamp, but what we show here is the production version. The two-piece Prestige costs $13,360. [www.globeaudiomkt.com]

Herron Audio's new HL-1 solid-state preamp ($3495, $4995 with phono) has a very intuitively designed user interface -- details are too numerous to discuss in a show report -- and one of the most convenient and ergonomic remotes we've seen. It will begin shipping later in the year, and Herron Audio is already working on a tubed version.

Stillpoints' new ESS equipment support system reportedly uses nine different materials within its construction. It is available in clear finish (shown, $4100) and colored acrylic ($4200).

This APL Hi-Fi-modified Philips SACD player sounded very good over ESP speakers. The company offers modifications to the Pioneer DV-563-s as well. The cost of the modifications for the Philips player shown is $1850, not including the cost of the player itself, of course.